PROGRAM NOTE
Hypatia of Alexandria (370–415) was a philosopher, astronomer, and influential member of her community whose spiritual and mathematical writings were revered in her time. In 415, newly appointed Bishop Cyril’s followers accused her of sorcery, “dragged her from her chariot, tore off her clothes, and armed with abalone shells, flayed her flesh from her bones. Her remains were burned, her works obliterated, her name forgotten. Cyril was made a saint.” (from Sagan, Cosmos). The destruction of the library at Alexandria around the same time ushered in the “Dark Ages.” It’s an elegy and a reminder of how far we still have to go in ending misogyny and violence against women, particularly trans women of color who are most at risk today. Proceeds from sheet music sales will be donated to Trans Women of Color Solidarity Network on Patreon and other similar organizations.